User Conference 2025: A Special Day for Our 35th Anniversary

June 5, 2025
Company
Practical insights

On June 5, 2025, this year’s User Conference took place in Dresden. Nearly 150 participants from various industries joined us to exchange ideas on the latest developments in industrial software and automation. The User Conference has long been a key event for our customers and partners, offering fresh insights, new impulses, and valuable networking opportunities year after year.

Managing directors Michael Jacob and Dirk Sauer

This time, the event coincided with a special occasion: Kontron AIS is celebrating 35 years of company history. Fittingly, our managing directors Michael Jacob and Dirk Sauer opened the conference with the keynote “Smart is just the start.” The talk looked back at the major milestones in our company’s journey and gave a preview of what’s ahead, for us and the industry.

As always, the conference featured a diverse program filled with hands-on presentations, inspiring conversations, and real-world application examples. This year’s focus included digital service processes, smart control solutions, and the use of AI in production. The discussions showed that many companies are currently facing similar challenges – making exchange and collaboration even more important. Three presentations stood out to us in particular and reflect the range of topics covered at the conference.

André Weidauer from E-VITA GmbH presented an innovative method for electronic seed treatment, entirely without chemicals, but with clear benefits for yield and plant quality. In regions with limited staff and infrastructure, technology needs to just work. That’s exactly what Kontron AIS’s ToolCommander® makes possible.

Matthias Nestler, scia Systems GmbH

Matthias Nestler from scia Systems GmbH gave fascinating insight into a major European project: the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), currently under construction by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile. With its 39-meter primary mirror, it will become the most powerful ground-based telescope in the world. 

To achieve the required precision in shaping all 798 mirror segments, two scia Finish 1500 systems from scia Systems are being used – powered by our control platform.

Prof. Dr. Antje-Britta Mörstedt from PFH Göttingen brought a different, yet equally relevant perspective to the table. She spoke about the values and expectations of Generation Z and how modern leadership can work on an equal footing. Her takeaway: Young talent wants to contribute, take on responsibility, and find purpose in their work environment.

Following her talk, Prof. Dr. Mörstedt joined a panel discussion (right to left) with Heike Wilson (Managing Director, DUALIS GmbH IT Solution), Michael Jacob, Dirk Sauer, and Marlene Körner (HR at Kontron AIS) to talk about the ongoing challenges of attracting young talent. The discussion focused on the expectations of Generation Z, the appeal of STEM careers, and how to inspire young people to pursue technical professions.

In the late afternoon, we left the conference hall and headed to the Old Masters Picture Gallery, where we explored world-famous artworks in a small group. The day ended with a relaxed evening on the rooftop terrace of FELIX, overlooking the Zwinger. With warm summer weather, and plenty of personal conversations, it was the perfect way to wrap up the day.

For anyone who couldn’t attend in person – or who simply wants to relive the experience – our event video is now available to watch. And we’re already looking ahead: the next User Conference will take place on June 18, 2026, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone again in Dresden.